Fishbowl Speeches

• Sample Topics for Fishbowl Speeches (Teacher Resource)

• Timer

• Pre-selected topics for the speeches based on the experience and comfort level of students

• A container to hold the printed topics, one topic per strip of paper

Extemporaneous, or impromptu, speeches are a great way to have students create structured communication “on the fly.” By doing this, teachers are requiring students to think creatively in a short duration of time.

1. Place topics into a container and mix them up to ensure random selection.

2. Ask a student to select a topic from the container and read it out loud.

3. Allow 30 seconds for the student to brainstorm the content and delivery of their speech.

4. Provide one minute for the student to present their answer to the question or topic.

5. Provide students with details regarding the grading criteria for the presenter and guidance concerning constructive feedback from fellow students.

6. Close the activity with a verbal or written debrief using a few of the questions from the Stage 3 Debrief Prompts.

To increase rigor: 

• To increase rigor, have students help generate the list of speaking prompts, based on current class concepts.

To increase scaffolding: 

• Choose increasingly difficult or simple topics.

• Give extra preparation time. For example, allow the first student who will present one minute to prep their speech. Then, have the second student who will present select their prompt right before the first student begins their speech.